Step 1: Generating the Key Pair

The utility "OpenSSL" is used to generate both Private Key (key) and Certificate Signing request (CSR). OpenSSL is usually installed under /usr/local/ssl/bin. If you have a custom install, you will need to adjust these instructions appropriately.

Type the following command at the prompt in OpenSSL:genrsa –des3 –out www.mydomain.com.key 2048

Note: If you do not wish to use a Pass Phrase, do not use the -des3 command. It will however leave the private key unprotected.

Important Information: for all Windows OpenSSL users, please remove the -des3 parameter when generating the key. This will prevent any installation errors however will leave the private key unprotected.

Enter the PEM Pass Phrase (This MUST be remembered)

Step 2: Generating the CSR

Type the following command at the prompt in OpenSSL:req –new –key www.mydomain.com.key –out www.mydomain.com.csr

Note 1: You will be prompted for the PEM Pass Phrase if you included the "-des3" command. Type it in now.

Note 2: There is a known issue with Apache/OpenSSL Windows Based Installations. If you recieve an error with the above command, Please enter the following:req -new -key www.mydomain.com.key -out www.mydomain.com.csr -config openssl.cnf

Input the information for the Certificate Signing Request. This information will be displayed in the certificate.

Common Name – Must match the URL you plan to secure exactly – is usually your fully-qualified domain name (e.g. devel.ssl247.co.uk or mail.devel.ssl247.co.uk). Remember the www. Is important – include it if you want to secure https://www.yoursite.com & exclude it if you want to secure https://yoursite.com.

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